embark on a quest for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embark on a quest for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a journey or pursuit, often in a metaphorical or adventurous context. Example: "The hero decided to embark on a quest for the lost treasure that had been hidden for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dragons, dwarfs, magical rings and benevolent wizards: Britain is about to embark on a quest for escapism.

The Guardian

THE ARTS, PAGE E1 N.B.A. Gets Under Way The Los Angeles Lakers embark on a quest for their fourth straight title.

The New York Times

Sitting before Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel, after a choir sang music by Palestrina, Benedict urged them to embark on "a quest for beauty".

The New York Times

8 P.M. (Nickelodeon BUCKET & SKINNERR'S EPIC ADVENTURES Two best friends from Southern California -- the analytical Bucket (Taylor Gray) and the carefree Skinner (Dillon Lane) -- embark on a quest for awesomeness amid high school, surfing and everyday issues.

The New York Times

Dr. Michael Fisch, interim chairman of general oncology for the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, says that before patients embark on a quest for information, they need to think about their goals and how they might react to information overload.

The New York Times - Health

On a trip to London, Thomas discovers that Smoke, sin and purity are not as clearly demarcated as his teachers have taught him, and he and Charlie embark on a quest for the truth, bringing them into contact with the enigmatic Livia Naylor, her revolutionary mother, and a series of moral, social and political dilemmas that test their own boundaries of right and wrong.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Farhad Manjoo of The Times embarks on a quest for one.

The New York Times

Some years back I embarked on a quest for the peaceful, the tranquil, the balmy.

The New York Times - Sports

Skeptical, I embarked on a quest for a great cup of tea.

The New York Times - Travel

Having received almost no formal education, Lincoln embarked on a quest for learning and self-improvement.

The New York Times - Books

"There's got to be another way," he says, and embarks on a quest for a peaceful answer.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "embark on a quest for", ensure the context aligns with the phrase's adventurous or exploratory connotation. It's best suited for describing pursuits that involve challenges and discoveries, not routine tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "embark on a quest for" when describing simple tasks or easily achievable goals. This can create a mismatch between the language's intensity and the actual situation, making the writing sound overdramatic or even comical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embark on a quest for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a journey or pursuit. Ludwig examples show its use in describing various endeavors, from seeking beauty to achieving Olympic greatness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "embark on a quest for" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the beginning of a significant journey or pursuit. Ludwig highlights its use across diverse contexts, from literature to news reporting. While the phrase is generally appropriate, be mindful of potential overdramatic tone in mundane situations. Consider alternatives like "begin a journey for" or "set out on a search for" for simpler or more direct expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a journey for

Replaces "embark" with "begin" and "quest" with "journey", offering a simpler and more direct alternative.

set out on a search for

Substitutes "embark" with "set out" and "quest" with "search", emphasizing the active initiation of the pursuit.

start a campaign for

Replaces "embark" with "start" and "quest" with "campaign", suggesting a more organized and strategic approach to achieving a goal.

undertake an expedition for

Substitutes "embark" with "undertake" and "quest" with "expedition", conveying a sense of formal and exploratory venture.

launch a mission for

Replaces "embark" with "launch" and "quest" with "mission", highlighting the purposeful nature of the endeavor.

pursue a dream of

Replaces the entire phrase with an emphasis on the aspiration and longing inherent in the pursuit.

venture forth in search of

Uses more archaic language to create a more dramatic and adventurous tone.

initiate a voyage for

Emphasizes the journey aspect with "voyage" and the start of the pursuit with "initiate".

dedicate oneself to finding

Highlights the commitment and personal investment in the search, shifting the focus from the journey to the dedication involved.

devote efforts to locate

Focuses on the dedication of effort to a search, highlighting the commitment of resources and energy to the search.

FAQs

What does "embark on a quest for" mean?

The phrase "embark on a quest for" means to begin a journey or pursuit with a specific goal, often involving challenges and discoveries. It implies a sense of adventure and determination.

What are some alternatives to "embark on a quest for"?

You can use alternatives such as "begin a journey for", "set out on a search for", or "start a campaign for" depending on the context.

How to use "embark on a quest for" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The hero decided to "embark on a quest for" the legendary artifact that could save their kingdom."

Is "embark on a quest for" formal or informal?

The phrase "embark on a quest for" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for both literary and journalistic contexts, but may sound overdramatic in very casual conversation.